Ceiling mounted wallwash light fixture

ABSTRACT

A ceiling mounted, recessed, wallwash light fixture includes a reflector having an internal reflecting surface. A wallwash segment of that reflecting surface is defined by vertically adjacent reflecting faces each arranged so that an effective lowest point of brightness seen by the reflecting face is reflected along a line passing below an opposing portion of a bottom edge of the reflector. The wallwash segment can be defined by an insert attached to the reflecting surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to recessed, ceiling-mounted wallwashlight fixtures.

It is conventional to illuminate a vertical wall of a room byrecess-mounting a wallwash light fixture in the ceiling at apredetermined distance from the wall. The fixture includes a reflectorhaving an internal reflecting surface, a segment of which being orientedto reflect light toward the wall. That segment can comprise an externalsecondary reflector element mounted on the outside of the main reflectorafter a window has been cut therein (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,440).Alternatively, the secondary reflector element can be mounted on theinside of the main reflector (e.g., see U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,147). Ashortcoming of conventional wallwash fixtures is that light is reflectedoff the secondary reflector element in a somewhat imprecise manner,whereby the wall is not uniformly illuminated, and/or stray lightreflected from the secondary reflector element contacts an opposite sideof the fixture interior. For example, as depicted in FIG. 12, a mainreflector 5 has a hole cut therein, and a wallwash attachment 3 isapplied across the outside of the hole light from a point of brightnesson a lamp 1 reflects off a reflection point 2 of a secondary wallwashreflector 3 and then off an opposite side 4 of the main reflector 5 fromwhich it is seen from below by a viewer 6. Such stray light causesunsightly brightness to the viewer 6.

It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a wallwash light fixture ofthe recessed, ceiling-mount type having a secondary reflector segmentwhich reflects light in a highly precise manner toward the wall to beilluminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a recessed, ceiling-mount wallwashlight fixture for use with a lamp, comprising a reflector body whichincludes an internal reflector surface forming a cavity. The reflectorbody has a lower edge defining a bottom opening of the cavity. Thereflector surface includes a wallwash segment extending around less thanthe entire inside perimeter of the reflector surface. The wallwashsegment is vertically stepped to form a plurality of vertically adjacentreflecting faces which are oriented at respective inclinations withrespect to horizontal for reflecting light below an opposite portion ofthe edge.

The reflecting faces are preferably formed on an insert which isattached to the reflector body. The insert may comprise a stiff plate,or a film.

The present invention also relates to the configuration of the insertper se.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which like numeralsdesignate like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view taken through a reflector which isrecess-mounted in a ceiling, and which possesses a wallwash reflectingstructure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a wallwash insert shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the insert depicted in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlargement of a portion of the insert depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view depicting the manner ofmounting a wallwash reflector insert in the reflector;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 of yet another alternative embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative insert according to theinvention having a pattern of rectangular facets;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an alternative form of reflectorin which the present invention is disposed;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another form of reflector inwhich the present invention is disposed; and

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view of a prior art wallwash reflector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A recessed, ceiling mounts wallwash light fixture 10 depicted in thedrawings includes a reflector body 12 adapted to be recess-mounted in aceiling C. The manner of mounting the reflector in a conventionalrecessed fixture housing 19 is well known to those skilled in the artand need not be described in detail. The reflector body includes aninternal specular surface 14 which defines a downwardly open cavity 16.A circular lower edge 18 of the reflector forms the open bottom of thecavity and defines a vertical longitudinal axis L of the cavity. Thecross-sectional area of the cavity becomes progressively smaller in anupward direction.

Situated at an upper end of the cavity is a lamp 20 of any suitabletype, the lamp being recessed with respect to the open bottom of thecavity. The lamp 20 can be mounted to a portion of the fixture housing19.

The internal specular surface 14 of the cavity includes a first segment14A which is continuously smooth, and a second segment 14B which definesa wallwash reflector segment. That wallwash reflector segment has avertically stepped profile, defining a plurality of vertically adjacentreflecting faces designed in accordance with its position in relation tothe lamp and the bottom opening of the reflector body, as will beexplained below. The reflector is in the form of a downlight/wallwasher,meaning that the first segment 14A is designed to reflect a significantportion of direct light from the lamp downwardly to illuminate the arealocated beneath the fixture.

In a first embodiment of the invention (see FIGS. 2-5), the wallwashsegment 14B is formed as part of an insert 22 which is mounted to thebody 12 within the cavity 16. The insert 22 extends about one-third ofthe perimeter of the surface 14, i.e., above one-third of thecircumference of the surface in the case of a cavity having a circularcross section. Preferably, the insert extends for an angle A of about120 degrees .Iadd.from one upright side edge of the reflector segment tothe opposite upright side edge thereof.Iaddend.. A lower edge 21 of theinsert has a greater radius than an upper edge 23 thereof as is evidentfrom FIG. 2. As shown most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, the insert 22comprises a curved plate having a smooth outer surface 24, and a steppedinner surface 26.

The outer surface 24 is configured with the same curvature as the body12 so that the insert 22 lies flush thereagainst. Most preferably, theinsert 22 is attached by an adhesive. However, any suitable type ofmechanical connection could be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, aplurality of bosses 28 project from the outer surface 24 and are adaptedto pass through respective holes 25 formed in the body 12 and thenbecome secured by conventional clips 27 to the body 12. The clips slideonto the bosses 28 so that flexible teeth 29 of the clips grip thebosses. Other ways of mounting the insert will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. For example, the bosses could form a snap-inconnector with the holes, or could comprise bendable tabs.

The inner surface 26 of the insert 22 includes steps 30 disposed oneabove the other, i.e., in vertically or longitudinally adjacentrelationship (with reference to the longitudinal axis L). Each stepextends circumferentially with reference to the axis L and includes agenerally horizontal step-defining face 34 interconnecting a top edge ofone reflecting face with a bottom edge of the generally upright orvertical reflecting face 32 disposed thereabove. The faces 34 need notbe horizontal, but could be inclined relative to horizontal.

The reflecting faces 32 are oriented at respective inclinations withrespect to a vertical plane for reflecting light below an oppositeportion of the edge 18. Preferably, the inclination of each reflectingface is such that the effective lowest point of brightness "seen" bythat face is reflected along a line passing below a portion of the edge18 disposed opposite face. A point of brightness can be defined indifferent ways, but every reflecting face should be designed inaccordance with the selected definition.

For example, the points of brightness could be defined firstly as beingonly points on the lamp 20 itself. That is, with attention directed toFIG. 1, if two points C and D on the lamp are considered with referenceto a reflecting face 32 having a reflecting point 32A, it can be seenthat reference or incidence lines 37 and 39 can be drawn from the pointsC, D, respectively, to the reflecting point 32A. The line 37 forms anangle C' with a vertical plane, whereas the line 39 forms a smallerangle D' with vertical. The effective lowest point of brightness wouldbe defined in this case as the point whose line of incidence forms thelargest angle relative to vertical, namely point C. By orienting thereflecting face on which point 32A is disposed so that the lightrepresented by line 37 is reflected off point 32A in a direction 37'passing below the opposite portion of the edge 18, it is ensured thatlight from all points of brightness disposed above point C andreflecting off point 32A (and its associated reflecting face) will alsopass below the edge 18, rather than reflecting off the downlight surfacesegment 14A located above the edge 18. Consequently, the brightness ofthe surface segment 14A when viewed from below will be minimized.

Alternatively, it might be desired to define a point of brightness in asecond manner to include not only points on the lamp, but also points onthe reflector which appear bright or "flashed" in that they have similarluminance to the lamp itself. For example, with reference to FIG. 11,light traveling from the lamp 20 to a point B on the specular reflectoralong line 47 is reflected to the reflecting point 32A along line 47'which forms an angle B' with vertical. All other lines from point 32A tothe reflector forming a larger angle with vertical will not pass throughthe lamp, e.g., see broken line 45, 45' which reflects off point E.Hence, the light on point B is "flashed" with respect to point 32A,whereas light on point E is not "flashed" with respect to point 32A.Note also, that light traveling to point 32A directly from point F onthe lamp 20 along line 49 forms a smaller angle with vertical than theline 47'.

Accordingly, under the second definition of effective lowest point ofbrightness, the point B would constitute the effective lowest point ofbrightness with respect to the reflecting surface on which point 32A isdisposed. Therefore, by orienting that reflecting surface so that lightfrom point B is reflected below the opposite portion of edge 18 (i.e.,so that the line 47" passes below the edge 18), it is ensured that lightfrom all points of brightness (as defined under the second definition)disposed above the point B will also pass below that edge, rather thanreflecting off the down light surface segment 14A located above the edge18. As a result, the brightness of the surface segment 14A when viewedfrom below will be minimized as pointed out earlier.

The effective lowest point of brightness in connection with a type ofreflector 40 having a diffuse type of reflecting surface 42, such asdepicted in FIG. 10, could be defined by the lowest point 44 on thatdiffuse reflecting surface 42. Lines of incidence from that lowest point44 to each reflecting face are shown in FIG. 10, and it will beappreciated that all of those lines extend below the edge 18.

As regards the reflecting surfaces 32 themselves, the uniformity oflight reflected thereby can be maximized by minimizing the height of thereflecting face, especially as regards the lowest reflecting faces.Thus, at least the lowest reflecting faces, e.g., lowest ten reflectingfaces, have identical, short heights H (e.g., 2 mm). The remainingreflecting faces could also have the same height H, but in order toreduce the cost of manufacture, they preferably have progressivelyincreasing heights which increase gradually, e.g., by five percent perstep.

The insert 22 can be formed of any suitable material, such as a machinedor molded metal which may be polished or metallized, or metallizedplastic, for example, vacuum metallized injection-molded polycarbonatewith a UV resistant and scratch resistant lacquer. The reflector body 12is preferably formed of aluminum.

The reflecting faces 32 can be of any suitable shape when viewed incross-section. For example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.5, the reflecting faces 32 can be straight. Alternatively, they couldcomprise other shapes, such as a section of an ellipse, or a section ofa macrofocal ellipse for example.

Instead of comprising a stiff plate, the insert 22 could be formed of afilm to which miniaturized steps have been applied. The film could besecured to the body 12 by adhesive.

Instead of being formed as part of a film or an insert 22, thereflecting faces 32 could be of integral one piece construction with thebody 12 as shown in FIG. 7, such as by being integrally molded or casttherewith, or being machined into the body 12.

It may be desirable to form the reflecting faces as an arrangement offacets 50 as depicted on the reflector 48 shown in FIG. 8. The facetscould be of any suitable shape and are designed to reflect the light inthe same manner as the aforementioned faces 32 of steps 30. For example,each facet could form a flat or curved reflecting face. An insert 55having a rectangular facet pattern is depicted in FIG. 9.

In order to enable the very top portion of the wall to be illuminated,the insert could be configured so that a lower portion 60 thereof (seethe phantom lines in FIG. 5) extends slightly below the edge 18.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing, that the present inventionprovides an insert for converting a reflector of standard shape into awallwash reflector without resulting in an increase in space occupied bythe reflector. The insert is easy to install and avoids excessivebrightness of the reflector when viewed from below. Also, the reflectorminimizes the generation of "fringes" on the wall being illuminated.

While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with aninsert which affixes in a flush manner to the inside reflector surface,it is applicable to inserts attached in any manner to the reflectorbody, as well as to the type of insert which is attached to the outsideof a reflector body across a window cut therein as depicted in FIG. 11.

The embodiments disclosed herein are of the single wallwash type.However, the invention is applicable to (a) double wallwashers whereininserts 22 would be mounted on opposite sides of the reflector, and (b)corner wallwashers wherein two inserts 22 would be arranged side-by-sideto subtend a total angle of 240°.

The reflector bodies described herein are of the type wherein the cavityhas a circular cross section alternatively, the reflector body couldform a cavity having a rectangular cavity (as viewed from below).

Although the present invention has been described in connection withpreferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that additions, deletions, modification, and substitutionsnot specifically described may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recessed, ceiling-mount wallwash light fixturefor use with a lamp, comprising a reflector body including an internalreflector surface forming a cavity; said reflector body having a loweredge defining a bottom opening of said cavity; said reflector surfaceincluding a wallwash segment extending around less than the entireinside perimeter of said reflector surface, said wallwash segmentforming a plurality of vertically adjacent reflecting faces oriented atrespective inclinations with respect to vertical for reflecting lightbelow an opposite portion of said edge, said wallwash segment beingvertically stepped in that each reflecting face is separated from avertically adjacent reflecting face by a circumferentially extendingnon-reflecting step-defining face which interconnects a top edge of areflecting face with a bottom edge of another reflecting face disposedthereabove.
 2. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein said reflectingfaces located adjacent a lower edge of said reflector have smallerheights than said reflecting faces located adjacent a upper end of saidreflector.
 3. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein said cavity hasa circular cross-section.
 4. The fixture according to claim 3, whereineach reflecting face is circumferentially continuous from one edge ofsaid segment to a circumferentially spaced opposite edge thereof.
 5. Thefixture according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting faces are straightas viewed in a cross-sectional plane containing said axis.
 6. Thefixture according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting faces are formedon an insert attached to said body.
 7. The fixture according to claim 6,wherein said insert is situated inside of said body.
 8. The fixtureaccording to claim 7, wherein said insert includes an outer surfaceengaged flush against an inside surface of said reflector body.
 9. Thefixture according to claim 6, wherein said insert comprises a stiffplate.
 10. The fixture according to claim 6, wherein said insertcomprises a film.
 11. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein saidreflecting faces are formed on an insert engaged flush against an insidesurface of said body, said insert comprising a stiff plate attached tosaid body by adhesive.
 12. The fixture according to claim 6, wherein alower edge of said insert substantially coincides with said lower edgeof said body.
 13. The fixture according to claim 6, wherein a lower edgeof said insert extends downwardly past said lower edge of said body. 14.The fixture according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting faces are ofone-piece integral construction with said body.
 15. The fixtureaccording to claim 8, wherein said insert extends circumferentially forabout one hundred twenty degrees.
 16. The fixture according to claim 1wherein said reflecting faces are generally vertical, and said stepdefining faces are generally horizontal.
 17. A wallwash insert mountablein a reflector body of a recessed, ceiling-mount wallwash light fixturefor reflecting light toward an adjacent vertical wall, said insert beingcurved and including outer and inner surfaces, said inner surfaceforming a plurality of vertically adjacent reflecting faces oriented atdifferent angles with respect to vertical, said upper edge being ofsmaller radius than said lower edge, said wallwash insert beingvertically stepped in that each reflecting face is separated from avertically adjacent reflecting face by a circumferentially extendingnon-reflecting step-defining face which interconnects a top edge of areflecting face with a bottom edge of another reflecting face disposedthereabove.
 18. The insert according to claim 17, wherein saidreflecting faces located adjacent said lower edge of said insert havesmaller heights than said reflect faces located adjacent said upper edgeof said insert.
 19. The insert according to claim 17, wherein saidinsert extends for an angle of about one hundred twenty degrees.
 20. Thefixture according to claim 17 wherein said reflecting faces aregenerally vertical, and said step defining faces are generallyhorizontal. .Iadd.
 21. A recessed, ceiling-mount wallwash light fixturefor use with a lamp, comprising a reflector body including an internalreflector surface; said reflector body having a lower edge; saidreflector surface including a wallwash segment extending around lessthan the entire inside perimeter of said reflector surface from oneupright side edge of said wallwash segment to another upright side edgethereof, said wallwash segment forming a plurality of verticallyadjacent reflecting faces oriented at respective inclinations withrespect to vertical for reflecting light below an opposite portion ofsaid edge, said wallwash segment being vertically stepped in that eachreflecting face is separated from a vertically adjacent reflecting faceby a non-reflecting step-defining face which extends from said oneupright side edge to said other upright side edge and interconnects atop edge of a reflecting face with a bottom edge of another reflectingface disposed thereabove..Iaddend..Iadd.22. A wallwash insert mountablein a reflector body of a recessed, ceiling-mount wallwash light fixturefor reflecting light toward an adjacent vertical wall, said insertincluding a top edge and a bottom edge interconnected by upright sideedges, said insert being curved from said top edge to said bottom edgeand including outer and inner surfaces, said inner surface forming aplurality of vertically adjacent reflecting faces oriented at differentangles with respect to vertical, said wallwash insert being verticallystepped in that each reflecting face is separated from a verticallyadjacent reflecting face by a non-reflecting step-defining face whichinterconnects a top edge of a reflecting face with a bottom edge ofanother reflecting face disposed thereabove, each of said step-definingfaces extending from one of said upright side edges of said insert toanother of said opposite upright side edges..Iaddend.